Two major wildfires have swept through coastal towns in Greece as the country grapples with a second heatwave. Fueled by strong winds, the uncontrolled wildfires have caused significant damage to homes and prompted the evacuation of thousands of people.
Videos and images depict the devastating wildfires, with thick smoke billowing in the air as firefighters and local residents work tirelessly to combat the flames.
Evacuation orders have been issued for at least six seaside communities as the wildfires approach summer resort towns. With wind gusts reaching 45mph (70kph), the situation remains precarious.
One of the fires reportedly started near the village of Kouvaras, approximately 17 miles (27km) southeast of Athens. The blaze has severely damaged at least five houses and spread to the popular summer resort area of Lagonisi.
Efforts to combat the wildfires involve around 200 firefighters, supported by aircraft, helicopters, and soldiers from the Greek army. However, the high winds have posed significant challenges, leading to rapid fire spread.
Greek fire service spokesman Ioannis Artopoios warned that Tuesday would be a difficult day, with a high risk of fires. Authorities have detained an individual on suspicion of arson.
In a separate wildfire near the seaside resort of Loutraki, located west of Athens and near the ancient city of Corinth, approximately 1,200 children from a summer camp and residents of a rehabilitation center have been evacuated.
Wildfires are a recurring issue in Greece during the summer season, often leading to tragic consequences. The deadliest wildfire in recent years occurred in 2018 in the seaside town of Mati, claiming the lives of 101 people.
This year, officials are particularly concerned due to dry winter conditions, which have created highly flammable conditions across the country. Greece is currently experiencing two intense heatwaves, with the second expected to bring extreme heat not only to Greece but also to other parts of Southern Europe.
Meteorologists predict record-breaking temperatures in countries such as Spain and Italy during this week’s heatwave. The World Meteorological Organization has stated that the heatwave, named Charon after the mythical Greek boatman, will intensify and persist into August.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, attending a leaders’ summit in Brussels, acknowledged the severity of the fires and attributed them in part to climate change. He emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to address the climate crisis and its impact on Greece’s vulnerability to wildfires.
